Welcome from the Medical College of Wisconsin Anesthesiology Chief Residents

Dear Aspiring Anesthesiologists,

Welcome—and thank you for your interest in our Anesthesiology Residency program at the Medical College of Wisconsin! We are honored to serve as the Chief Residents for the 2026–2027 academic year, and to share a glimpse into the training experience that has shaped us—both professionally and personally. As you explore programs and envision your future in Anesthesiology, we hope this perspective provides a look into what makes our community truly special.

What Sets Us Apart

The heart of our program is in its people. Every day, we train alongside exceptional Anesthesiologists who are not only highly skilled clinicians, but also deeply committed educators and mentors. They challenge us to think critically, support our continued personal growth, and find moments to celebrate our achievements along the way. The culture here is collaborative, approachable, and grounded in curiosity—an excellent place to develop into a well-rounded consultant anesthesiologist!

Our clinical training is robust and diverse. We care for high-acuity patients across the full spectrum of perioperative medicine, from routine outpatient procedures to some of the most complex and innovative surgical cases. Residents gain hands-on experience in major trauma, advanced neurosurgery, high-risk obstetrics, complex pediatric care, surgical oncology, and organ transplantation. This depth and diversity of training prepares our graduates to confidently pursue any path—whether in academic medicine, private practice, or fellowship training.

The Resident Experience

What we love most about our program is the camaraderie among residents. We're more than colleagues—we're a tight-knit group that genuinely enjoys working and spending time together. Whether it’s grabbing a quick coffee between cases, debriefing after a long day, or gathering for social events throughout Milwaukee, there’s a genuine sense of community here. The resident lounge is our sanctuary where we celebrate victories, share stories, and support each other through the inevitable tough moments.

Our educational experience is equally strong. Didactics are engaging and continuously evolving; our simulation center is state-of-the-art, and board preparation is a priority. Graduates consistently match into competitive fellowships nationwide, with about half pursuing additional training each year. Those entering private practice leave feeling confident and well-prepared for independent practice.

Additionally, our department also has a long-standing commitment to global health. Through the Global Health Initiative, residents have opportunities to participate in international rotations and work in interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe anesthetic care in low- and middle-income countries. These rotations offer valuable insight into the global burden of surgical disease while fostering adaptability, cultural humility, and a broader sense of purpose in clinical practice.

Research and Professional Development

For those with academic interests, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in research with faculty who are leaders in their fields. Our residents regularly attend and present at general and subspecialty conferences, publish case reports, and participate in research and quality improvement initiatives. Many residents hold roles within local GME and national anesthesia committees, extending their impact beyond the clinical environment and into leadership and advocacy within the specialty.

Each one of our residents is paired with a faculty mentor at the start of training who is dedicated to nurturing personal and professional growth throughout their training and transition to practice. In addition to becoming strong clinicians, residents develop as educators through ample opportunities to teach medical students and junior residents.

Outside the Hospital

Life does not pause during residency—and we believe your time away from the hospital should be as fulfilling as your time in it. Personally, we think Milwaukee has everything you need to thrive! We are fortunate to have a vibrant, diverse metro area with something for everyone, from professional sports teams, various museums, 100+ annual festivals, international cuisines, and countless other activities for all ages to enjoy!

The Milwaukee metro area strikes a unique balance between urban energy and easy access to outdoor recreation. Yes, winters here are cold, but they make the warmer months all the more rewarding! Whether you prefer golf on the lakefront, beach volleyball, pickleball, or relaxing at riverside breweries and restaurants, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here. And with a cost of living that remains affordable—paired with salaries at the 75th percentile of residency programs—residents are able to truly take advantage of all the city has to offer.

It’s a place where many of us have discovered new hobbies, built lasting friendships, grown our families, and found a genuine sense of community outside the hospital. For those of us with little ones, MCW is an especially supportive place to train—we’ve been able to grow both as physicians and as parents in a community that makes that harmony feel possible.

Looking Forward

We recognize that choosing a residency program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and we deeply value the trust you place in us when considering our program. Our goal at MCW is to train not only competent Anesthesiologists, but adaptable, thoughtful physicians who are prepared to succeed in any practice environment and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Our alumni network is strong and far-reaching, offering lasting connections and mentorship wherever your career takes you. Whether pursuing fellowship, entering private practice, or continuing in academic medicine, our graduates are well-prepared and well-supported.

We hope our words provide you with a genuine sense of what it’s like to train here. One of the highlights of interview season is meeting each of you and learning of the unique paths that brought you to anesthesiology—we truly look forward to those conversations and the possibility of welcoming you as our future colleagues.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions—we’re always happy to try to make this process a little easier.

We can't wait to meet you!

Warmly,

Anja, Sabrina, & Meg
Chief Residents, Class of 2027